B-1 Bomber Crash Linked to Crew Failures and Weather Conditions

A January crash of a B-1 bomber in South Dakota, resulting in the loss of the $450 million aircraft, was attributed to multiple crew failures, adverse winter weather, and a sudden encounter with wind shear, according to a report from Air Force Global Strike Command. The investigation revealed significant lapses in communication and monitoring among the crew members, which ultimately led to their decision to eject as the aircraft approached Ellsworth Air Force Base. On the night of the incident, the B-1 bomber was part of a two-aircraft training mission. While the first bomber successfully adjusted its approach despite poor visibility, the second bomber descended too low without adequate communication or instrument monitoring. Investigators noted that neither the pilot nor the instructor pilot recognized the critical situation in time, as they were focused outside the cockpit rather than on their instruments. The report highlighted a lack of preparation, as a pre-flight briefing failed to emphasize the need for a higher altitude approach due to the deteriorating weather conditions. Additionally, a malfunctioning visibility sensor on the runway had gone unaddressed for months, further complicating the situation. Although all crew members survived, the instructor pilot sustained injuries during ejection. In the aftermath, Ellsworth's remaining bombers were relocated to Dyess for operations and training. Remarkably, just a month later, these B-1s participated in successful retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets in Syria, showcasing the resilience of the squadron despite the challenges faced prior to the crash.